A federal grand jury in Lubbock named the suspects in a 33-count sealed indictment issued Jan. 8.

All 21 defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine. Some of the suspects face additional charges, including firearms violations and criminal forfeiture.

Each person faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The suspects made initial court appearances Friday before a federal magistrate in Big Spring. They will be prosecuted in Lubbock by U.S. Attorney Tanya Pierce before U.S. District Judge Sam Cummings.

U.S. Attorney Richard Stephens said the investigation was a cooperative effort between local and federal law enforcement agencies.

"These arrests are yet another example of how well the coordinated efforts of our task forces and dedicated law enforcement officers shut down major drug operations," Stephens said.

In March 2000, the Midland office of the Drug Enforcement Administration started investigating suspected drug traffickers John Paul and Manuel Franco. The brothers are accused of controlling the cocaine market throughout the Big Spring area. A network of individuals stored, transported and distributed the drug.

In August and September 2001, authorities executed 15 federal search warrants in Big Spring.

The investigating agencies include: DEA, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Midland, Odessa and Big Spring police, Midland and Howard county sheriffs' offices, Department of Public Safety, Border Patrol, U.S. Marshal's Service and the West Texas Narcotics Enforcement Task Force.